Ben Franklin chose America. Son William chose the crown. This civil war is a microcosm of revolution

In central London, near Eurostar train stations heading to Paris, lies the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin's eldest son, William. His burial there serves as a poignant reminder that the American Revolution was not just a war for independence but also a severe rift within families. As the burial spot of Ben Franklin's son, it underscores the complexity of the conflict that tore apart friendships and tore families apart more than two centuries ago, a conflict that continues to resonate in America today.

William Franklin, born in 1730, was the son of one of America's most revered Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. Their relationship was characterized by a shared early life and a later, devastating split driven by political and ideological differences. As a young man, William accompanied his father to London to represent Pennsylvania's colonial government. They lived together, enjoyed London's culture, and formed a bond that seemed unbreakable.

However, their relationship took a turn for the worse when Ben Franklin returned to Philadelphia in 1775, after the outbreak of the American Revolution. As a member of the Continental Congress, Ben Franklin advocated for independence. Meanwhile, William, despite his father's warnings, remained loyal to the British crown and continued to represent the king.

This betrayal led to William's arrest as an "enemy of the country's liberty" by the newly formed American government in January 1776, marking the beginning of his 14-year ordeal.

Imprisoned initially in solitary confinement, William eventually released through a prisoner exchange in October 1778, he went on to become a leader of the Loyalist community in New York City. Following the British forces' defeat, William fled to London in 1782, where he lived until Ben Franklin's death in 1790. It is believed that they met only once during this period.

Ben Franklin's warnings to his son about the risks of maintaining royal ties and the impending wrath of the new American government proved prescient. Despite these warnings, William stood by his father's former adversary, driven by loyalty and personal conviction. The split between father and son is a stark reminder of the revolution's complexity, as it was not just a fight for independence but also a family tragedy that continues to echo in America's history.